Bali, often called the "Island of the Gods," is a place where spiritual energy permeates everyday life, creating a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and serene experiences. As Australian guides with years of exploring Indonesia, we've discovered that Bali offers far more than the typical tourist experience of beaches and bars – it provides a transformative journey through ancient traditions, mouthwatering cuisine, and profound tranquility.
Sacred Temples: The Spiritual Heart of Bali
With over 10,000 temples (pura) dotting the island, Bali's religious architecture forms the cornerstone of its cultural identity. Each temple has a specific purpose and spiritual significance in the complex Balinese Hindu belief system, which blends Hindu traditions with indigenous animistic practices and ancestor worship.
Pura Besakih: The Mother Temple
Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali's highest volcano, Pura Besakih is the most important temple complex on the island. Comprising 23 separate temples spread across six terraced levels, Besakih has been a spiritual center for over a thousand years. The main sanctuary, Pura Penataran Agung, features a series of stepped pavilions that ascend the mountain, symbolizing the journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
When visiting, we recommend arriving early in the morning when the light is magical and before most tour groups arrive. The mountain backdrop shrouded in mist creates an ethereal atmosphere that enhances the spiritual experience. Remember to dress respectfully with a sarong and sash, which can be rented at the entrance if needed.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan: The Floating Temple
Appearing to float on the waters of Lake Bratan in the central highlands, this 17th-century temple complex is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the water goddess. The temple's reflection in the still lake waters creates one of Bali's most iconic images. The cooler climate of the highlands makes this an especially pleasant place to visit during the heat of the day, and the surrounding botanical gardens offer a peaceful retreat.
Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Senses
Balinese cuisine is a sensory adventure characterized by aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and complex flavor profiles that balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. The island's fertile volcanic soil produces an abundance of fresh produce, while its coastal waters supply diverse seafood.
Babi Guling: Ceremonial Suckling Pig
For special occasions, Balinese prepare babi guling (suckling pig), a dish that has become emblematic of celebratory feasts. The pig is stuffed with a spice paste of turmeric, coriander seeds, lemongrass, galangal, and chili, then slow-roasted on a manually turned spit over an open fire. The result is tender meat with perfectly crispy skin that's served with rice, vegetables, and sambal (chili sauce).
While historically reserved for ceremonies, several restaurants now specialize in this dish. We recommend Ibu Oka in Ubud or Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen in Seminyak for an authentic taste. Arrive early as these popular establishments often sell out before closing time.
Lawar: The Sacred Mixture
This traditional mix of vegetables, grated coconut, minced meat, and rich herbs and spices is a fixture at Balinese ceremonies. Each region has its own variation: in some areas, lawar contains fresh animal blood for ceremonial significance, while others prepare vegetarian versions. The dish represents the Balinese philosophical concept of Rwa Bhineda – the harmonious balance of opposing forces.
For travelers seeking to understand Balinese culture through its food, we arrange cooking classes in traditional village homes where you can learn to prepare lawar and other local specialties directly from Balinese families.
Traditional Arts: Expressing the Divine
In Bali, artistic expression is inseparable from religious devotion. Traditional Balinese arts serve as offerings to the divine and expressions of cultural identity rather than mere entertainment or decoration.
Legong Dance: The Dance of Celestial Nymphs
Characterized by intricate finger movements, expressive facial gestures, and elaborate costumes, Legong is one of Bali's most refined dance forms. Traditionally performed by pre-adolescent girls who undergo years of rigorous training, the dance depicts stories from ancient Hindu epics.
The best place to experience an authentic Legong performance is at the Puri Saren Royal Palace in Ubud, where nightly performances take place in the palace courtyard against the backdrop of traditional Balinese architecture. The combination of gamelan orchestra music, elaborate costumes, and precisely synchronized movements creates a mesmerizing experience.
Barong and Kris Dance: The Eternal Battle
This dramatic dance-drama depicts the battle between good (Barong, a lion-like creature) and evil (Rangda, a witch). The performance culminates in a trance scene where performers attempt to stab themselves with ceremonial kris daggers but are protected by divine intervention. More than entertainment, this is a sacred ritual that maintains cosmic balance by allowing negative forces to be safely expressed and contained.
Wellness and Healing: Traditional Balinese Therapies
Long before wellness tourism became a global trend, Bali had established traditions of healing that address physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Balinese Massage: Ancient Healing Touch
Combining techniques from traditional Chinese, Indian, and indigenous Indonesian healing practices, Balinese massage uses long strokes, skin rolling, palm and thumb pressure, and gentle stretching to improve circulation and energy flow. The treatment typically incorporates aromatic oils made from local ingredients like ginger, clove, and cinnamon.
While luxury spas offer polished versions of these treatments, we recommend experiencing a traditional massage from a local healer in a village setting for a more authentic experience. These practitioners often work from family compounds or modest village spas where the focus is on the healing tradition rather than luxurious surroundings.
Jamu: Herbal Medicine Tradition
This Indonesian herbal medicine tradition is particularly strong in Bali, where fresh turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and other local ingredients are used to create potent elixirs for various health concerns. Jamu Kunyit Asam, a mixture of turmeric and tamarind, is especially popular for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often served as a refreshing drink.
Beyond the Tourist Trail: Authentic Bali
To truly experience the Island of the Gods, venture beyond the beach resorts of Kuta and Seminyak to discover Bali's hidden treasures.
Sidemen Valley: Bali as it Once Was
This lush valley on the slopes of Mount Agung offers a glimpse of traditional Balinese life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Here, terraced rice fields are still cultivated using ancient irrigation systems, while villages maintain their traditional social structures and ceremonies. The valley provides spectacular views of Mount Agung, particularly in the early morning when the peak emerges from the clouds.
We recommend staying in one of the small, family-run guesthouses that offer an intimate connection with local culture. Many provide opportunities to participate in daily activities like rice planting, traditional crafts, or temple ceremonies alongside village residents.
Munduk: Mountain Retreat
This highland village offers a cooler climate and spectacular scenery of coffee plantations, clove forests, and cascading waterfalls. The Dutch colonial influence is evident in the architecture of older buildings, while hiking trails lead to hidden waterfalls and viewpoints that few tourists discover.
Planning Your Bali Journey
Bali rewards travelers who approach the island with respect for its customs and an openness to its spiritual traditions. Here are some practical considerations for your visit:
When to Visit
The dry season (April to October) offers the most reliable weather, but also brings larger crowds. For a balance of good weather and fewer tourists, consider the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October. If you don't mind occasional rain showers, the wet season (November to March) brings lush landscapes and significantly lower prices.
Cultural Etiquette
Respect is paramount when visiting temples and participating in ceremonies. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. When seated, avoid pointing your feet toward altars or people. If you encounter a procession, never walk through it – wait for it to pass or walk around. When visiting homes, remove shoes before entering.
Sustainable Tourism
Bali faces significant environmental challenges due to overtourism. Support eco-conscious businesses, avoid single-use plastics, and consider participating in beach clean-ups or community projects. Choose operators who employ local guides and contribute to conservation efforts.
At AussieTrek Tours, our deep connections with local communities allow us to offer authentic experiences that benefit both travelers and Balinese hosts. Our guides provide cultural context that transforms a simple vacation into a meaningful journey through the Island of the Gods.
Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, culinary adventures, creative inspiration, or simply a beautiful setting to relax and recharge, Bali offers transformative experiences that continue to resonate long after you've returned home.